CARLTON has recorded another memorable victory over Essendon, holding on for a one-point victory ?on Saturday night? at the MCG. 

The Blues were lead by the personal brilliance of David Cuningham, Levi Casboult and Sam Docherty who were crucial in the win.

The win sees the Blues record their second win in a row and gain some more momentum heading into next week's game against the Saints. 

Q1 breakdown: 

Like last week, the Blues were once again able to get the fast start, with Levi Casboult not wasting any time in getting his first goal of the game. Ed Curnow was given the job on Essendon’s dangerous midfielder Dylan Shiel and was able to hold him accountable and restrict him to just five disposals. The same forward half pressure was on display once again, with Carlton’s forwards ensuring that the opposition defenders did not have it easy. The Blues weathered a storm from the Bombers to turn the momentum in their favour and take a five-point lead into the first break. Mitch McGovern provided a spark with his first goal, while Michael Gibbons collected nine first-quarter disposals. 

Q2 breakdown:

The Bombers claimed the early ascendency in the second quarter, kicking two early goals to take an early lead. David Cuningham provided some much-needed run through the middle of the ground, and looked to combine with Eddie Betts to give the Blues some relief. Cuningham would finish with 19 disposals in the first half. Levi Casboult’s second goal of the game, a stunning snap from 40 metres out, was reward for a building Blues who had managed to lock the ball in their forward half. Mitch McGovern’s second goal came at an important time and gave the Blues a seven-point lead going into the half.

Q3 breakdown:

The Blues had their chances early, with repeated forward 50 entries resulting in two shots on goal for each Levi Casboult and David Cuningham. The game continued to become more contested as the quarter progressed. The Blues’ backline were at their resolute best, limiting the impact of the likes of Jake Stringer and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti while providing measured rebound to propel the team into attack. Sam Walsh and Patrick Cripps were able to find more of the ball around the middle of the ground. The Blues were hurt by their inaccuracy in front of goal, while a late goal to Jake Stringer tied the game up heading into the final quarter.

Q4 breakdown: 

Essendon had the perfect start to the term, kicking the two first goals of the quarter to take the early advantage. However, on the back of some Marc Murphy brilliance, the Blues were able to steady the ship and kick goals through Jack Martin and Levi Casboult. An important contested possession to first-gamer Sam Philp helped the Blues clear the ball from the backline, while Marc Pittonet was once again a big influence in helping the Blues reclaim ascendency in the middle of the ground. A point to Mitch McGovern gave the Blues a one-point lead late in the game. A shot to Essendon’s Jacob Townsend could not have come closer to dashing the Blues’ hopes, but the barrage of bodies ensured that the Madden Cup would be coming home to Ikon Park.

Moment of the match: 

Marc Murphy lifted when the Blues’ needed it the most. 
The veteran surged in the final quarter to win repeated 50-50 contests, which resulted in two goals, including Levi Casboult’s third which would tie the game halfway through the last quarter. 

Three things from the game: 

1. The Carlton back line is a much better place with Sam Docherty. It's been said for the last few weeks. but once again the willingness of the co-captain to take on the game, read the play and call the shots makes a world of difference. Also, not to be discounted were the efforts of Sam Petrevski-Seton, who was able to limit the potentially dangerous impact of Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti to just four disposals and one goal. 
2. David Cuningham enjoyed perhaps one of the best games of his career. Cuningham's versatility was on show playing throughout the middle of the ground, providing crucial run and speed when the Blues needed it the most. He would go onto finish with 28 disposals, six inside 50s and two clearances.
3. Another week, another close game. The Blues have proven that they are able to keep their wits and not give up the fight even when the momentum is against them. After the Bombers kicked the first two goals of the final quarter to take a 12-point lead, the Blues were methodical and measured in their ability to ensure that they remained in the contest and - eventually - win the game.

ESSENDON        2.1       4.1       6.2       8.3 (51)?

CARLTON           3.0       5.3       5.8      7.10 (52)??

GOALS?

Essendon: Parish 2, Stringer 2, McDonald-Tipungwuti, McKernan, Smith, Townsend

Carlton: Casboult 3, McGovern 2, Betts, Martin 

BESTS

Carlton: Cuningham, Casboult, Docherty, Gibbons, Murphy, Pittonet, Walsh

INJURIES?

Carlton: Silvagni (ribs)